The Garda Superintendent for Sligo-Leitrim believes that the onus is on everyone to remove the stigma of domestic abuse in Irish society.
The latest meeting of Leitrim's Joint Policing Committee heard that on average it takes 30 incidents of abuse or violence before someone reports an issue to Gardai.
Domestic violence, and supports for people in difficult situations, was one of the key themes of today's Leitrim JPC meeting - the first of the New Year.
The Garda report for the last 12 months showed a decrease of around 20% in domestic violence incidents reported to Gardai in Leitrim year on year.
This is in contrast to figures from last month nationally, which showed a 10% rise in incidents reported to Gardai in 2021
Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken outlined a number of Garda initiatives in an effort to tackle domestic violence.
These include a new risk assessment tool used to ascertain the background to incidents, as well as a special call back service to victims.
He also revealed that of all assaults reported to gardaí, around 12% were motivated by domestic violence.
The meeting heard the specialist unit in the region to assist with cases was also dealing with a very heavy workload.
He told the meeting that he believed the onus was on everyone in society to tackle domestic violence and to encourage people to take what he described as a "courageous step" in reporting issues to authorities.
Leitrim Superintendent Christ Grogan also told the meeting that all reports of domestic violence are treated sensitively and seriously by officers.
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service, Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan - [email protected] or 071 9141515
